Cost Effective/Creative August Rental Location?

Depending on when in August, the Amalfi Coast will be full of tourists, hot and a very expensive time to go. We were there a couple of years ago (pre-Covid) and it was packed to say the least. Tuscany was less so, but still a peak time for tourists and Europeans on vacation. We loved Cortona. We stayed in a monastery just down the hill from the town for several nights. They have made the place in to several apartments, and it gave us some space. We had the three bedroom with a kitchen. (Saena Apartment - http://www.monasterosansilvestro.it/saena-eng.php. It provided my boys a place to do homework, study, and we all had space when we needed it. http://www.monasterosansilvestro.it/ It has a pool, as well as lovely grounds, and is surrounded by a more residential feel. We particularly loved the Grotto at the end of the lane, and stopped each morning. You would need a car to get in to the town though. There could be bus service. You would have to ask. Easy drive up the hill to the town of Cortona. Also the town of Camucia is where you can grab the train for day trips but a car is best for Tuscany. Camucia also has nice grocery stores, shops, etc. and close by. We have not been to Como in August, so really can't comment there but would imagine it will be quite a popular place as well for vacationers.

JR - exactly the type of off the beaten path idea I was thinking of. Thank you

Buy one of those fixer-upper $1 houses in Sicily!

Seriously, though, if you want a Marseille-like place along the coast, look at Sicily, west or south.

Thank you, Cyn

Since it will be August, I suggest staying off the coasts which will be swamped with beach-goers, Italian and otherwise.
Abruzzo has lots of charm and lower prices in the mountain parks, with lots of outdoor activities, great food and interesting towns, Roman and older ruins, castles on hilltops. We are only 45 minutes from the beach if you need some sun and sand one day. My town has an adventure park for kids (ropes courses through the trees) and some manageable hikes through places such as the Orfento gorge. The town also has an amazing big outdoor pool with the best views. For 3 euros a day entry fee. Two-ish hours to Rome for a city break. Abruzzo is still off the beaten path but has been getting lots more press lately. Get here soon!

Great idea Nelly! Thank you

I’ll second Nelly. Abruzzo is home to 23 of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

https://www.abruzzoinformation.com/en/the-10-most-beautiful-villages-in-abruzzo/

Thank you, Gerri

Totally agree with other posts about staying away from the coasts in August! However, many small towns within an easy reach for a day at the beach. I typically stay (rent apartment) in Florence on my long term visits but the rents keep going up and up. This year, I am staying in a small town about 30 minute train from Florence and about an hour to the sea. Lots of options for that if you would like....towns like Empoli, Arezzo, Pistoia (where I am staying), Lucca, Montecantini (thermal spas) maybe even Pisa. All easily accessible on train.

The coast, the mountains, or the lakes, is exactly where I would stay in August, even though it's peak tourist season and prices will be higher. Way too hot to stay in a city like Florence or Rome.
You will need a rental car for anyplace outside of any city.
I would split my stay in weekly stays, to enjoy the various areas of the country.
For the coast of Tuscany I would stay in Castiglioncello/Quercianella (near Livorno) or Argentario Peninsula.
In the interior of Tuscany I would stay as high in altitude as I can. Consuma/Vallombrosa/Saltino is a good choice, Abetone area is another, Mount Amiata is another as well.
For the lakes you have several choices: Lake Como in the midlake, or lake Maggiore (Stresa?) or north lake Garda (Malcesine, Riva, Torbole, Limone).
For an alpine experience maybe the Dolomites mountains (Val Gardena?)
Any place in the Amalfi Coast would work. No need for a car here if you don't want.
Wherever you go, unless uphigh in the Alps (Dolomites) or the Appennino mountains mentioned above for Tuscany, make sure you have air conditioning or a body of water where to dive in on the hottest days.

Roberto is spot on with his suggestions. Any bigger city is going to be sweltering hot. I would go for the mountains or the Lakes regions. Higher = cooler AC will be a must for the lower areas in August and even in Amalfi.